Responsibility In The Novel 'Son Of A Trickster' By Eden Robinson

Daniel Brown

ENG 4U0

Mrs. Jurinic

May 15, 2023

Responsibility is a word that can translate into a broad variety of meanings; such of which can be translated further than its ordinary dictionary definition. The novel ‘Son of a Trickster’ focuses on how different aspects of responsibility are represented in the novel, which can be examined using the psychoanalytic lens, specifically through the characters, Jared, his parents, Dylan, and Sarah.

Jared, a 16-year-old boy is the protagonist of the story ‘Son of A Trickster’ by Eden Robinson. He is characterized by his well-rounded character and the situation he is placed in. He belongs to both the Heiltsuk and ‘Namgis first nations. He is depicted as a mature, responsible child who puts others

They represent aspects of both the theme and aspects of Jared’s character. Maggie represents escapism and the dangers it poses on a family dynamic while Phil represents the harmful impacts of the lack of a father and/or parental figure, respectively. Jared’s mother parallels Jared in the sense that they both seem to lack guidance, lacking an important figure in their lives to help them abstain and to aid them in their addiction. In essence, both of them not only portray different characteristics of Jared but also somewhat enable him as well. “She hurled a beer can at his head. He ducked. She shoved him and, when he didn’t shove back, shoved him again. ‘ Fuck you,’ she said. ‘You goddamn fucking disloyal piece of shit. I’m the one taking care of you! And you go help that lying, whoring son of a bitch!’ ” (Robinson 145). This quote excellently accentuates Jared’s relationship with his mother and his father. Familial dysfunctionality is very easily identifiable, as can be seen by the mother’s tone, use of language, and overall mood that the excerpt portrays. This lack of maturity, and overall; responsibility greatly affects Jared through the instability and uncertainty it produces. The lack of care and guidance that a mother should offer is hindered by the mutual addiction that they share. And much like Jared, she also delves deep into escapism, leaving the ones she was supposed to care for, vulnerable. What should have been care and responsibility turns into emotional turmoil and neglect, leaving lasting impacts upon Jared. In addition to the lasting effects of neglect and emotional turmoil, the effects left upon by Jared’s father play an equally important role. The absence of a father figure is extremely important and can be seen affecting Jared throughout the story. “High levels of father involvement are correlated with higher levels of sociability,